I’m no stranger to the aesthetic and potentially overpriced Los Angeles coffee shops that take over TikTok and Instagram. While I’d like to say I’m immune to social media hype, I cave pretty often when it comes to these cute cafes. I drink a lot of coffee (iced coffee, to be exact), so I’ve accumulated a lot of opinions on what spots are worth it in L.A. Here are my thoughts on six particularly popular spots:
- Go Get Em Tiger
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Unfortunately, I was least impressed with the coffee offerings here. As an avid iced vanilla latte fan, I was a little upset to find out that they don’t carry any flavored syrups. There weren’t any specialty drinks that stood out to me either, leaving me overall underwhelmed. If you tend to lean toward a more basic coffee, you might like this more than I did. However, I should note that this spot had my favorite food menu items of anywhere on this list. While I would skip the coffee, I would definitely make the trip just for their breakfast burrito or their overnight oats.
Original photo by Lily O\’Neal - Blue Bottle
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Though it may seem low on this list, I actually really do enjoy Blue Bottle. While their menu is also somewhat basic, the simplicity is well-executed. My go-to is the New Orleans cold brew with oat milk. While it’s nothing particularly unique, it’s smooth and easy to sip despite the lack of flavoring.
Original photo by Lily O\’Neal - Alfred
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This one gets bonus points since there’s a location in Westwood. My favorite drink from Alfred is also the one they’re most known for: the iced vanilla latte. While it’s sweet and creamy, it’s not too sweet to the extent that it masks the espresso flavor (I don’t like drinks that taste too syrupy). While on your Westwood grocery runs, I recommend stopping by.
Original photo by Lily O\’Neal - SomeMore La
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Located in Koreatown, Somemore first draws you in with its adorable decorations. The cafe is teddy bear themed, which shows through everything from the wall decor to the cups. When I saw it all over TikTok, this place was just too cute to resist. I like ordering the iced vanilla latte (complete with a heart-shaped straw). Again, this one earns my “not too sweet” seal of approval. In addition to the coffee, the strawberry sando is a must. It’s a sandwich made with fluffy white bread, whipped cream and sliced strawberries. Trust me on this one, it is surprisingly light and great to share.
Original photo by Lily O\’Neal - Memory Look
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As another popular spot on TikTok, the vibes here are great. While I only briefly stopped by, I could imagine that this would be a good study spot. I got the iced einspanner latte, which comes with a thick layer of cream and a sprinkling of cocoa powder on top. If you’re a fan of milky coffees, this is the one for you.
Original photo by Lily O\’Neal - Philz
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Coming in at number one is my beloved Philz. I first tried it upon recommendation from Emma Chamberlain in a YouTube video, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I’ve tried numerous drinks from there at this point, and I’ve loved them every time. I always opt for the “sweet and creamy” options for my drinks here, and they are never overbearingly sweet. Some of my favorites are the mint mojito, philtered soul (a hazelnut-flavored coffee) and oatmeal cookie (a secret menu drink). I’ve had all of the above both iced and hot, and they’re perfect either way.
Original photo by Lily O\’Neal
While social media trends can be hit or miss, they’ve given me several good coffee recommendations. Starbucks and Dunkin are always safe choices, but I love keeping my coffee runs interesting and fresh. Next time you’re off campus and in need of caffeine, keep my suggestions in mind!